Optical transceiver, connector, substrate unit, optical transmitter, optical receiver, and semiconductor device

ABSTRACT

One ends of a plurality of interface pins are attached to a substrate in a line. Optical semiconductor device and an electric circuit are mounted on this substrate. The other ends of the interface pins are fit into holes in an another substrate. Signals are exchanged between the two substrates via the interface pins. The interface pins are embedded in a dielectric material. A plurality of ground pins and/or ground through holes may be provided in the dielectric material around the interface pins. The dielectric constant of the dielectric material is less than the dielectric constants of the two substrates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an optical transceiver, a connector, asubstrate unit, an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, and asemiconductor device, that perform signal transmission via interfacepins.

2) Description of the Related Art

The optical transceiver performs transmission and reception as follows.That is, when transmitting, the optical transceiver converts the datasignal, which is an electric signal, into an optical signal, andtransmits the optical signal via an optical fiber for transmission. Onthe other hand, when receiving, the optical transceiver receives anoptical signal via an optical fiber for reception, and converts theoptical signal into the data signal, which is an electric signal.

The optical transceiver is sometimes fitted to a substrate of a hostsystem device (also referred to as an optical transmission device),which is externally equipped. The host system device generates digitaldata signals, distributes and transmits the generated digital datasignals to a plurality of optical transmitters and receivers, andcarries out various processing with respect to the data signaltransmitted from the transmitters and receivers.

When fitting the optical transceiver to the substrate of the host systemdevice, an electrical interface is obtained by connecting the opticaltransceiver to a system substrate of the host system device, using aplurality of interface pins protruding downwards from the bottom of ahousing. In other words, no connector is not used when fitting theoptical transceiver to the substrate. The interface pins are used fortransferring power supply, clock and signals, such as power-supplyvoltage, control signals, high-speed pulse signals, and high-speed clocksignals.

In the optical communication system that transmits optical signals viathe optical fiber, the transmission rate of the optical signal hasrecently been increased rapidly, in order to respond to an increase inthe communication traffic accompanying popularization of the Internet.In the optical transmitter/receiver, the transmission rate is nowshifting from 2.5 Gb/s to 10 Gb/s, and research and development is nowunder way to realize the transmission rate of 40 Gb/s. Accompanyingthis, the optical transceiver is also required to have the capability tohandle signal with high transmission rate.

FIGS. 27A and 27B show a schematic configuration of a conventionaloptical transceiver and an interface structure between the systemsubstrate and the optical transceiver. FIG. 27A is a top view with anupper lid being removed, and FIG. 27B is a sectional side view takenalong the line A—A shown in FIG. 27A. FIGS. 27A and 27B show an exampleof an optical transceiver 117 that performs signal transmission at adata rate of 2.5 Gb/s.

A housing 101 of the optical transceiver 117 has a rectangular shape andit is formed by bending a metal plate on four sides. The metal plate hasa thickness of from about 0.5 to 1 mm. The housing 101 has foursidewalls 101 b, a bottom 101 a, and an upper lid 116. Long holes 101 cfor interface are provided near two sides on the bottom 101 a. At leastthree protrusions 101 d are provided (see FIG. 27B) on the outer surfaceof the bottom 101 a. These protrusions 101 d abut on the systemsubstrate 114, so that the housing 101 is stably seated on the systemsubstrate 114.

A substrate 109 is provided in the housing 101. A laser diode driver102, a laser diode module 103 having a laser diode (LD) providedtherein, a photo diode module 104 having a photo diode (PD) providedtherein, a receiving circuit 105 including a PLL (phase-locked loop)circuit and a data identification and generation circuit, and a controlcircuit 108 including a power supply circuit and various control devicesare mounted on the substrate 109. An optical fiber 106 for transmissionis connected to the laser diode module 103, and an optical fiber 107 forreception is connected to the photo diode module 104. Substrate holdingmembers 115 provided on the bottom 101 a support the substrate 109.

Substrate lines 110 a (transmission side), 110 b (transmission side),110 c (reception side), 110 d (reception side), 111 a and 111 b areformed on the substrate 109. The substrate lines 111 a connect low speedinterface pins to the control circuit 108. The substrate lines 111 bconnect the laser diode driver 102, the laser diode module 103, thephoto diode module 104, and the receiving circuit 105 to the controlcircuit 108, respectively. The substrate lines 110 a (transmissionside), 110 b (transmission side), 110 c (reception side) and 110 d(reception side) have such a structure that they can transmit datasignals and clock signals, which may even be high frequency signals.Further, about four to ten high speed interface pins (white circles) 112a (transmission side), 112 c (reception side), which can transmit datasignals and clock signals, which may even be high frequency signals, areprovided. Moreover, the low speed interface pins 112 b, to which lowfrequency control signals and dc voltage are supplied, and ground pins(black circles) 113 for grounding are connected and fixed to thesubstrate 109. The substrate 109 is electrically connected to the systemsubstrate 114, via the interface pins 112 a to 112 c (collectivelyreferred to as interface pins 112) and the ground pins 113. Thereby, anexchange of signals can be performed between the optical transceiver 117and the host system device.

The interface pins 112 and the ground pins 113 are linearly arranged ina row, at each edge on the long side of the substrate 109, and protrudedownwards from the long holes 101 c formed in the housing 101. Therespective pins 112 and 113 are inserted into pin holes provided in thesystem substrate 114, and soldered. Thus, an electric connection betweenthe substrate 109 and the system substrate 114 can be realized withoutthe use of a connector.

The substrate holding member 115 is arranged at four corners on thebottom 101 a of the housing 101. Each of the substrate holding members115 is joined with the substrate 109 at one end, and fixed on the bottom101 a of the housing 101 at the other end. Therefore, there is a gap ofseveral millimeters between the substrate 109 and the bottom 101 a ofthe housing 101. These substrate holding members 115 are provided sothat the pattern wiring on the back of the substrate 109 does not comein contact with the bottom 101 a of the metal housing 101.

The conventional optical transceiver operates as described below. A datasignal (pulse signal) of 2.5 Gb/s and a clock signal of 2.5 GHz areinput from the system substrate 114 through the interface pins 112 a,and these signals are transmitted to the laser diode driver 102 via thesubstrate lines 110 b. Further, power supply voltage and control signalsare supplied to the control circuit 108 through the interface pins 112 band the substrate lines 111 a.

The laser diode driver 102 generates a modulation signal (pulse signal)Im for driving the laser diode module 103, based on the data signal of2.5 Gb/s and the clock signal of 2.5 GHz. The modulation signal Imgenerated in the laser diode driver 102 is transmitted to the laserdiode module 103 via the substrate line 110 a. The control circuit 108supplies dc voltage to the laser diode driver 102, the laser diodemodule 103, the photo diode module 104 and the receiving circuit 105 viathe substrate lines 111 b, and monitors the respective equipment. As aresult, the laser diode in the laser diode module 103 emits light, andan optical signal is emitted, with the intensity thereof modulated. Theemitted optical signal enters into the end face of the optical fiber106, and hence an optical signal Po is propagated in the optical fiber106.

The photo diode module 104 receives an optical signal Pi via the opticalfiber 107, and photoelectrically exchanges the optical signal to acurrent signal by the built-in photo diode, then converts the currentsignal to a voltage signal by a built-in preamplifier, and transmits theconverted voltage signal to the receiving circuit 105 via the substrateline 110 c. The receiving circuit 105 extracts a clock based on thevoltage signal transmitted from the photo diode module 104, andregenerates the data signal. The data signal and the clock signalregenerated by the receiving circuit 105 are input from the substrateline 110 d to one end of the interface pin 112 c, and areimpedance-converted. The signal input to the one end of the interfacepin 112 c is input to the system substrate 114 connected to the otherend thereof through the interface pin 112 c.

As a result of an increase in the transmission rate of the opticalsignal, problems that are described below arise in the conventionaloptical transceiver.

For example, when a data signal of 10 Gb/s higher in rate than 2.5 Gb/sand a clock signal of 10 GHz higher in rate than 2.5 GHz are to betransferred between the optical transceiver and the system substrate114, the transmission characteristic deteriorates, causing a problem inthat high speed signals cannot be transmitted, unless the characteristicimpedance (normally 50Ω) of the substrate lines 110 b is matched withthat of the interface pins 112 a, or the characteristic impedance(normally 50Ω) of substrate lines 110 d is matched with that of theinterface pins 112 c.

In the conventional optical transceiver, there is a gap 118 of about 2to 5 mm between the substrate 109 and the system substrate 114,depending on the height of the substrate holding member 115, thethickness of the bottom plate 101 a of the housing 101, and the heightof the protrusion 101 d provided in the housing 101.

Due to the existence of this gap 118, an air layer exists between thesubstrate 109 and the system substrate 114, and it is actually difficultto match the characteristic impedance of the interface pins with thecharacteristic impedance (normally 50Ω) of the substrate lines 110 b and110 d.

Therefore, in the conventional optical transceiver, there is a problemin that when a high speed data signal of about 10 Gb/s or higher and ahigh speed clock signal of about 10 GHz of higher are to be transmitted,the transmission characteristic deteriorates. The deterioration in thetransmission characteristic is allowable in putting the opticaltransceiver to practical use, for a data signal having a bit rate ofabout 2.5 Gb/s, but if the bit rate becomes about 10 Gb/s, deteriorationin the transmission characteristic becomes noticeable, and cannot beignored.

If an interface connector (coaxial connector) with the characteristicimpedance being controlled, or a connection line using a waveguide isused instead of the interface pin, impedance characteristic that iselectrically preferable can be obtained, but the quantity of connectionlines required for transmission of the data signal and the clock signalis about four to ten. Use of such connection lines increases the size ofthe interface apparatus and increases the cost, and hence it is notpractical for the optical transceiver that is required to be cheap andinstalled in a large quantity.

Thus, there is a problem in the conventional optical transceiver, thatwhen a data signal of about 10 Gb/s and a clock signal of about 10 GHzare transmitted using interface pins, it is difficult to match thecharacteristic impedance of the substrate line with that of theinterface pins.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide an optical transceiver, aconnector, a substrate unit, an optical transmitter, an opticalreceiver, and a semiconductor device, that can match the characteristicimpedance of the substrate line with that of the interface pins with asimple and cheap configuration, and that can transmit data signals andclock signals at high speed.

According to the present invention, one ends of a plurality of interfacepins are attached to a substrate in a line. Optical semiconductor deviceand an electric circuit are mounted on this substrate. The other ends ofthe interface pins are fit into holes in an another substrate. Signalsare exchanged between the two substrates via the interface pins. Theinterface pins are embedded in a dielectric material. A plurality ofground pins and/or ground through holes may be provided in thedielectric material around the interface pins. The dielectric constantof the dielectric material is less than the dielectric constants of thetwo substrates.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention are specifically set forth in or will become apparent from thefollowing detailed descriptions of the invention when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams that show an optical transceiver moduleaccording to a first embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 1A is a planview and FIG. 1B is a sectional view taken along the line B—B shown inFIG. 1A,

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams that show arrangement of pins in theoptical transceiver module according to the first embodiment, and FIG.2A is a plan view and FIG. 2B is a sectional view taken along the lineB—B shown in FIG. 1A,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view that shows a dielectric block used in theoptical transceiver module according to the first embodiment,

FIG. 4 is a plan view that shows a modification of the opticaltransceiver according to the first embodiment,

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams that show an optical transceiver accordingto a second embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 5A is a plan view andFIG. 5B is a sectional view along the line C—C shown in FIG. 5A,

FIG. 6 is a plan view that shows a modification of the opticaltransceiver according to the second embodiment,

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams that show an optical transceiver accordingto a third embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 7A is a plan view andFIG. 7B is a sectional view taken along the line D—D shown in FIG. 7A,

FIG. 8 is a plan view that shows a modification of the opticaltransceiver according to the third embodiment,

FIG. 9 is a perspective view that shows the appearance of an opticaltransmitter according to a fourth embodiment of the invention,

FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams that show the optical transmitteraccording to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 10A is an elevational viewand FIG. 10B is a bottom view,

FIGS. 11A to 11C are diagrams that show the inner structure of theoptical transmitter according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 11A isa plan view, FIG. 11B is a longitudinal sectional view taken along theline E—E shown in FIG. 11A, and FIG. 11C is a cross sectional view takenalong the line F—F shown in FIG. 11A,

FIG. 12 is a perspective view that shows a substrate unit used in theoptical transmitter according to the fourth embodiment,

FIG. 13 is a partial plan view of an internal substrate used in theoptical transmitter according to the fourth embodiment,

FIG. 14 is a partial bottom view of the internal substrate used in theoptical transmitter according to the fourth embodiment,

FIG. 15 is a plan view (upper one) and a cross section (bottom one) thatshow a dielectric block used in the optical transmitter according to thefourth embodiment,

FIG. 16 is a diagram that show a pin used in the optical transmitteraccording to the fourth embodiment,

FIG. 17 is a plan view (upper one) and a cross section (bottom one) thatshows a system substrate used in the optical transmitter according tothe fourth embodiment,

FIG. 18 is a partial plan view in an enlarged scale, that shows a systemsubstrate used in the optical transmitter according to the fourthembodiment,

FIG. 19 is a sectional view that shows a connection structure of aninternal unit of the optical transmitter according to the fourthembodiment,

FIG. 20 is a plan view that shows a dielectric block used in an opticalreceiver according to a fifth embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 21 is a partial plan view in an enlarged scale, that shows theperipheral structure of high speed interface pins in a dielectric block,used in the optical receiver according to the fifth embodiment,

FIG. 22 is a partial plan view in an enlarged scale, that shows aninternal substrate used in the optical receiver according to the fifthembodiment,

FIG. 23 is a plan view (upper one) and a sectional view (bottom one)that show a system substrate used in the optical receiver according tothe fifth embodiment,

FIG. 24 is a perspective view that shows a dielectric unit in a sixthembodiment of the invention,

FIG. 25 is a partial sectional view that shows the dielectric unit inthe sixth embodiment,

FIG. 26 is a sectional view that shows the structure of a high speedinterface pin in the dielectric unit according to the sixth embodiment,and

FIGS. 27A and 27B are diagrams that show the conventional art, and FIG.27A is a plan view and FIG. 27B is a sectional view taken along the lineA—A shown in FIG. 27A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The optical transceiver, the connector, the substrate unit, the opticaltransmitter, the optical receiver, and the semiconductor deviceaccording to the present invention will be explained in detail, withreference to the accompanying drawings.

In a first embodiment of this invention, a dielectric block 22 isarranged in a gap 23 between a substrate 20 provided in an opticaltransceiver and a system substrate 21 of a host system device. Datatransmission at 10 Gb/s and clock transmission at 10 GHz are realized,with the interface pins 12 a and 12 c interposed between the substrate20 and the substrate 21, using an interface structure that matches thecharacteristic impedance of interface pins 12 a and 12 c with thecharacteristic impedance of substrate lines 10 a and 10 b.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams that show how the optical transceiver 17according to the first embodiment and the system substrate 21 areconnected to each other. Precisely, FIG. 1A is a top view with an upperlid removed, and FIG. 1B is a sectional side view taken along the lineB—B shown in FIG. 1A. FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams that show the opticaltransceiver, according to the first embodiment, before it is connectedto the system substrate. Precisely, FIG. 2A is a bottom view and FIG. 2Bis a side view. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dielectric block.

A housing 1 of the optical transceiver 17 has a rectangular shape and itis formed by bending a metal plate on four sides. The metal plate has athickness of from about 0.5 to 1 mm. The housing 1 has four sidewalls 1b, a bottom 1 a, and an upper lid 16. Protrusions 1 d are provided atthree or more places (in this case, four places) on the outer surface ofthe bottom 1 a. Since the protrusions 1 d abut on the system substrate21, the housing 1 is stably seated on the system substrate 21. Theprotrusions 1 d may be made of elastic material such as rubber or may bemade of metallic material having a spring property. A rectangular hole1E is formed in the bottom 1 a. A dielectric block 22, which isdescribed later, is inserted in this hole 1A and protrudes out of thehousing 1 (see FIGS. 1B and 2B).

A substrate 20 is provided in the housing 1. A laser diode driver 2, alaser diode module 3 having a laser diode provided therein, a photodiode module 4 having a photo diode provided therein, a receivingcircuit 5 including a PLL circuit and a data identification andgeneration circuit, and a control circuit 8 including a power supplycircuit and various control devices are mounted on the substrate 20. Anoptical fiber 6 for transmission is connected to the laser diode module3, and an optical fiber 7 for reception is connected to the photo diodemodule 4. Substrate holding members 15 provided on the bottom 1 asupport the substrate 21. The substrate holding members 15 are arrangedat four corners on the inner surface of the bottom 1 a.

Substrate lines 10 a (transmission side), 10 b (transmission side), 10 c(reception side), 10 d (reception side), 11 a and 11 b are formed on thesubstrate 20. The substrate lines 11 a are for connecting low speedinterface pins 12 b to the control circuit 8, and the substrate lines 11b are for connecting the laser diode driver 2, the laser diode module 3,the photo diode module 4, and the receiving circuit 5 to the controlcircuit 8, respectively. The substrate lines 10 a (transmission side),10 b (transmission side), 10 c (reception side) and 10 d (receptionside) have such a structure that they can transmit data signals andclock signals, including high frequency signals, and are formed of forexample a differential transmission line.

Further, about four to ten high speed interface pins (white circles) 12a (transmission side), 12 c (reception side), which can transmit datasignals and clock signals, including high frequency signals, low speedinterface pins 12 b, to which low frequency control signals and dcvoltage are supplied, and ground pins (black circles) 13 for groundingare connected and fixed to the substrate 20. The substrate 20 iselectrically connected to the system substrate 21, via these interfacepins 12 a to 12 c (collectively referred to as interface pins 12) andthe ground pins 13. Thereby, an exchange of signals can be performedbetween the optical transceiver 17 and the host system device.

The interface pins 12 a are connected to the laser diode driver 2 viathe substrate lines 10 b, and the interface pins 12 c are connected tothe receiving circuit 5 via the substrate lines 10 d. The interface pins12 b are connected to the control circuit 8 via the substrate lines 11a. These interface pins 12 a, 12 b and 12 c are formed in the sameshape, and the quantity thereof is about several tens in total.

The interface pins 12 and the ground pins 13 are linearly arranged in arow, at each edge on the long side of the substrate 20, andperpendicularly protrude downwards from the substrate 20. In order toinsert the interface pins 12 and the ground pins 13 in two rows to coverthe circumferences of these pins 12 and 13, a pair of dielectric blocks22, having a rectangular shape and flat upper and lower faces, are fixedon the back of the substrate 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the dielectricblocks 22 are provided with a plurality of holes 24 for inserting theinterface pins 12 and the ground pins 13, and the interface pins 12 andthe ground pins 13 are inserted into these holes 24. The upper face ofthe dielectric block 22 is joined to the rear face of the substrate 20,with the interface pins 12 and the ground pins 13 being inserted in theholes 24. The respective interface pins 12 and ground pins 13 slightlyprotrude perpendicularly from the lower face of the dielectric block 22,with the dielectric block 22 abutting on the lower face of the substrate20. The protruding length L is longer than the plate thickness t of thesystem substrate 21 (see FIG. 2B).

When the interface pins 12 are inserted into the holes 25 for insertingthe interface pins 12 provided in the system substrate 21, the lowerface of the dielectric block 22 abuts on the upper side of the systemsubstrate 21. In other words, the height dimension of the dielectricblock 22 corresponds to a gap 23 between the lower face of the substrate20 and the upper face of the system substrate 21. A conductor isrespectively metalized on the internal circumference of the holes 25 inthe system substrate 21, and this conductor is connected to thesubstrate line formed in the system substrate 21. The interface pins 12are joined with the holes 25 in the system substrate 21 by a solder 26,with the interface pins 12 being inserted in the system substrate 21.The solder 26 is arranged on the lower side of the system substrate 21,to join the circumferences of the tips of the interface pins 12 with thesystem substrate 21. As a result, the optical transceiver 17 can befixed on the system substrate 21.

The optical transceiver 17 in the first embodiment transmits 10-Gb/sdata signals and 10-GHz clock signals via the interface pins 12, in thefollowing manner.

Operation as a Transmitter

When the transmitter is operated, the 10-Gb/s data signal and the 10-GHzclock signal transmitted from the system substrate 21 are input to theinterface pins 12 a. These signals are transmitted from the interfacepins 12 a to the substrate lines 10 b.

The dielectric blocks 22 of the same material as that of the substrate20 or those having the similar dielectric constant to that of thesubstrate 20 (for example, a resin material having a dielectric constantε of 4.3 (for example, BT resin)) are arranged between the substrate 20of the optical transceiver 17 and the system substrate 21. Thereby, thecharacteristic impedance of the interface pins 12 a substantiallymatches with the characteristic impedance of the substrate lines 10 b,and the 10-Gb/s data signal and the 10-GHz clock signal are transmittedto the substrate lines 10 b, with deterioration in the transmissioncharacteristic being suppressed. The transmitted signals are input tothe laser diode driver 2.

The laser diode driver 2 generates a modulation signal Im (pulse signal)of 10 Gb/s, adjusted to a predetermined amplitude for driving the laserdiode module 3, based on the input 10-Gb/s data signal and the 10-GHzclock signal. The modulation signal Im generated by the laser diodedriver 2 is transmitted to the laser diode module 3 via the substrateline 10 a. The control circuit 8 supplies dc voltage to the laser diodedriver 2, the laser diode module 3, the photo diode module 4 and thereceiving circuit 5 via the substrate lines 11 b, and monitors therespective equipment. The laser diode module 3 superimposes themodulation signal Im on the dc voltage Ib (bias signal) supplied fromthe control circuit 8, and drives the laser diode provided therein basedon the superimposed signal. Thereby, the laser diode in the laser diodemodule 3 emits light, and an optical signal is emitted with theintensity thereof modulated. The emitted optical signal enters into theend face of the optical fiber 6, and the optical signal Po is propagatedwithin the optical fiber 6.

Operation as a Receiver

An example in which the optical transceiver 17 outputs the 10-Gb/s datasignal and the 10-GHz clock signal to the system substrate 21 will beexplained below.

In this case, an optical signal Pi input from the optical fiber 7 to thephoto diode module 4 is converted to a current signal by a photo diodebuilt in the photo diode module 4, and converted to a voltage signal bya preamplifier built therein and output. This output voltage signal isinput to the receiving circuit 5 via the substrate line 10 c. Thereceiving circuit 5 adjusts the amplitude of the voltage signaltransmitted from the photo diode module 4, extracts a clock from thevoltage signal transmitted from the photo diode module 4 by theoperation of the PLL circuit provided therein, identifies the datasignal by an identification and regeneration circuit provided therein,and regenerates the 10-Gb/s data signal and the 10-GHz clock signal. Theregenerated data signal and clock signal are output to the substratelines 10 d. The substrate lines 10 d output these signals to theinterface pins 12 c.

The dielectric blocks 22 of the same material as that of the substrate20 or those having the similar dielectric constant to that of the systemsubstrate 21 are filled in the gap 23 between the substrate 20 and thesystem substrate 21. Thereby, the characteristic impedance of thesubstrate lines 10 b substantially matches with the characteristicimpedance of the interface pins 12 c, and the 10-Gb/s data signal andthe 10-GHz clock signal are transmitted to the system substrate 21, withdeterioration in the transmission characteristic being suppressed.

In order to explain the difference between the interface structureaccording to the first embodiment and the conventional interfacestructure, deterioration in the impedance characteristic due to theconventional interface structure shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B will beexplained.

In the conventional interface structure shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B,there exists a gap between the interface pins 112 and the substrate 114.This gap is filled with the air. Thus, there is a cover of air, whichhas a dielectric constant of 1, around the interface pins 112.Therefore, for example, when a pitch D between the interface pin 112 a(or 112 c) and the ground pin 113 is 2.54 mm, and the diameter d of eachpin is 1.27 mm, the characteristic impedance Z becomes about 104Ωaccording to the equation (1) described below. Hence, the characteristicimpedance Z of the interface pin 112 a (or 112 c) in this case does notagree with the characteristic impedance (50Ω) of the substrate lines 110b and 110 d.

As a result, the transmission characteristic of the 10-Gb/s data signaland the 10-GHz clock signal deteriorates, and transmission cannot becarried out. $\begin{matrix}{Z = {\frac{207}{\sqrt{\overset{{^\circ}}{a}}} \cdot {\log\left( {1.59 \cdot \frac{D}{d}} \right)}}} & (1)\end{matrix}$wherein ∈ is a dielectric constant.

On the other hand, in the interface structure according to the firstembodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the dielectric blocks 22 of thesame material as that of the substrate 20 of the optical transceiver 17or those having the similar dielectric constant to that of the substrate20 (for example, a resin material having ∈ of 4.3 (for example, BTresin)) are filled in the gap 23 between the substrate 20 of the opticaltransceiver 17 and the system substrate 21. For example, the dielectricblock 22 is made of a resin material having ∈ of 4.3 like the resin.Therefore, according to the equation (1), the characteristic impedance Zbecomes 50Ω, thereby enabling suppression of deterioration in thetransmission characteristic.

FIG. 4 is a plan view that shows a modification of the first embodimentshown in FIG. 1A. In this modification, the substrate lines 30 a and 30b for connecting the high speed interface pins 12 a and the laser diodedriver 2, and the substrate lines 30 c and 30 d for connecting the highspeed interface pins 12 c and the receiving circuit 5 are differentiallines, in which signals in positive phase and negative phase arerespectively transmitted.

Therefore, the signal transmitted on the substrate 20 becomes strongagainst noise, and as a result, influence of noise can be suppressed inthe signal processing in the laser diode driver 2, or in the signalprocessing in the system substrate 21, by the signal transmissionbetween the interface pins 12 a and the laser diode driver 2, or by thesignal transmission between the interface pins 12 c and the receivingcircuit 5. The respective substrate lines are shown as if these arearranged on the surface of the substrate for convenience' sake ofexplanation, but these are not limited to this arrangement or the wiringpattern form, and for example, these may be provided in the inner layerof a multi-layer substrate.

A second embodiment of the invention will be explained, with referenceto FIGS. 5A and 5B and FIG. 6. FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams that showhow the optical transceiver 17 a in the second embodiment and the systemsubstrate are connected to each other. Precisely, FIG. 5A is a top viewwith the lid 16 removed and FIG. 5B is a sectional view taken along theline C—C shown in FIG. 5. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the explanation for thecomponent, which achieves the same function as that in the firstembodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, is omitted.

In the optical transceiver 17 a according to the second embodiment,predetermined dielectric blocks 32 are arranged in the gap 23 betweenthe substrate 20 and the host system substrate 21, and a plurality ofground pins 31 are provided around the interface pins, through which the10-Gb/s data signal and the 10-GHz clock signal pass, to thereby matchthe characteristic impedance of the interface pins with that of thesubstrate lines. As a result, deterioration in the transmissioncharacteristic is suppressed, when the 10-Gb/s data signal and the10-GHz clock signal are transmitted.

In the configuration of the second embodiment, the 10-Gb/s data signaland the 10-GHz clock signal are transmitted in the following manner.

When the optical transceiver 17 a transmits the 10-Gb/s data signal andthe 10-GHz clock signal to the system substrate 21, the receivingcircuit 5 outputs the 10-Gb/s data signal and the 10-GHz clock signal.The output signals are transmitted to the substrate lines 10 d, andfurther transmitted to the interface pins 12 c.

When the optical transceiver 17 a receives the 10-Gb/s data signal andthe 10-GHz clock signal from the system substrate 21, the 10-Gb/s datasignal and the 10-GHz clock signal from the system substrate 21 areinput to the substrate 20 via the interface pins 12 a. After thetransmission line has been changed from the interface pins 12 a to thesubstrate lines 10 b, the signals are transmitted in the substrate 20.

In the second embodiment, dielectric blocks 32 of the same material asthat of the substrate 20 or those having a dielectric constant slightlysmaller than that of the substrate 20 are arranged in the gap 23 betweenthe substrate 20 and the system substrate 21, to thereby match thecharacteristic impedance of the substrate lines 10 with thecharacteristic impedance of the interface pins 12 a. As a result, the10-Gb/s data signal and the 10-GHz clock signal are transmitted from theinterface pins 12 a to the substrate lines 10 b, with less deteriorationin the transmission characteristic. The transmitted signals are input tothe laser diode driver 2.

When the respective interface pins 12 a (or 12 c) are linearly arranged,the characteristic impedance thereof generally tends to become higherthan that of the substrate lines, and if the pin diameter d of theinterface pins 12 a (or 12 c) is smaller than the pitch D between pins,it may be difficult to match the characteristic impedance thereof withthat of the substrate lines, even if the gap 23 is filled with thedielectric blocks 32.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, a plurality of ground pins 31 areadded around the interface pins 12 a and 12 c, in addition to the groundpins 13, so as to match the characteristic impedance thereof with thatof the substrate lines 10 b.

As a result, the 10-Gb/s data signal and the 10-GHz clock signal aretransmitted to the substrate 20, with deterioration in the transmissioncharacteristic being suppressed. This is particularly effective, whenthe pin diameter d of the interface pins 12 a and 12 c is smaller thanthe pitch D between pins.

When it is specified that the pitch D between pins is 2.54 mm, thediameter d of the pin is 1.27 mm, and the characteristic impedance Z is50Ω, and the ground pins 13 are only arranged adjacent to the interfacepins 12, the dielectric blocks 32 having a dielectric constant ∈ of 4.33becomes necessary according to the following equation (2).

On the other hand, when a plurality of (in this case, four) ground pins31 are respectively added around the interface pin 12, in addition tothe ground pins 13 adjacent to the interface pins 12, the followingequation (3) is applied, and in this case, the dielectric blocks 32having a dielectric constant ∈ of 3.1 mm may be used. When six groundpins 31 are arranged at an equal distance from each interface pin so asto surround the circumference of each interface pin 12, the followingequation can be used as an approximate, and the grounding ability can befurther strengthened. $\begin{matrix}{d = \frac{D \cdot 159}{10^{({z \cdot \frac{\sqrt{å}}{207}})}}} & (2) \\{d = {\frac{1.14 \cdot \sqrt{2}}{10^{({z \cdot \frac{\sqrt{å}}{173}})}} \cdot D}} & (3)\end{matrix}$wherein in the equation (3), D denotes a pitch between the interface pin12 and the ground pin 31.

In both cases when the dielectric blocks 32 are put between thesubstrates and when the dielectric blocks 32 are put therebetween andthe ground pins 31 are provided around the interface pins 12, thecharacteristic impedance Z can be made 50Ω. However, when the groundpins 31 are provided around the interface pins 12, the dielectricconstant of the dielectric block 32 to be filled in the gap 23 can belowered. As a result, the cost for the substrate of the dielectric blockcan be reduced, and hence it is more effective.

FIG. 6 is a plan view that shows a modification of the second embodimentshown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this modification, the substrate lines 34 aand 34 b for connecting the high speed interface pins 12 a and the laserdiode driver 2, and the substrate lines 34 c and 34 d for connecting thehigh speed interface pins 12 c and the receiving circuit 5 aredifferential lines, in which signals in positive phase and negativephase are respectively transmitted.

Therefore, the signal transmitted on the substrate 20 becomes strongagainst noise, and as a result, influence of noise can be suppressed inthe signal processing in the laser diode driver 2, or in the signalprocessing in the system substrate 21, by the signal transmissionbetween the interface pins 12 a and the laser diode driver 2, or by thesignal transmission between the interface pins 12 c and the receivingcircuit 5.

In the case of FIG. 6, the ground pins 13 and the ground pins 33 areused in common, and four ground pins are arranged at an equal distancearound the interface pins 12 a and 12 c. This is desirable in view ofthe configuration in which the differential line 34 is divided in aV-shape symmetrically and connected to the respective interface pins 12a and 12 c.

A third embodiment of the invention will be explained, with reference toFIGS. 7A, 7B and FIG. 8. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams that show how anoptical transceiver 17 b in the third embodiment and the systemsubstrate 21 are connected to each other. Precisely, FIG. 7A is a topview with the lid 16 removed and FIG. 7B is a sectional side view takenalong the line D—D shown in FIG. 7A. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the explanationfor the component, which achieves the same function as that in the firstembodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B or that in the second embodimentshown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, is omitted.

In the third embodiment, predetermined dielectric blocks 36 are arrangedin the gap 23 between the substrate 20 and the system substrate 21, anda plurality of ground through holes 35 connected to a groundingconductor in the inner layer of the substrate are arranged around theinterface pins 12 a and 12 c, through which the 10-Gb/s data signal andthe 10-GHz clock signal pass. Thereby, the characteristic impedance ofthe interface pins is matched with the characteristic impedance of thesubstrate lines, to thereby suppress deterioration in the transmissioncharacteristic when the 10-Gb/s data signal and the 10-GHz clock signalare transmitted.

In the configuration of the third embodiment, the 10-Gb/s data signaland the 10-GHz clock signal are transmitted in the following manner.

When the optical transceiver 17 b transmits the 10-Gb/s data signal andthe 10-GHz clock signal to the system substrate 21, the receivingcircuit 5 outputs the 10-Gb/s data signal and the 10-GHz clock signal.The output signals are transmitted to the substrate lines 10 d, andfurther transmitted to the interface pins 12 c.

Dielectric blocks 36 of the same material as that of the substrate 20 orthose having a dielectric constant similar to that of the substrate 20are filled in the gap 23 between the substrate 20 of the opticaltransceiver 17 b and the system substrate 21. When the interface pins 12are linearly arranged, the characteristic impedance thereof generallytends to become higher than that of the substrate lines, and if the pindiameter of the interface pins 12 is smaller than the pitch betweenpins, it may be difficult to match the characteristic impedance thereofwith that of the substrate lines, even if the gap 23 is filled with thedielectric blocks 36.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, the ground through holes 35 areadded around the interface pins 12, and these ground through holes 35are connected to a beta ground pattern on the substrate or in thesubstrate. Thereby, the characteristic impedance of the interface pins12 is matched with the characteristic impedance of the substrate lines10. As a result, deterioration in the transmission characteristic issuppressed, and the 10-Gb/s data signal and the 10-GHz clock signal aretransmitted to the system substrate 21, without the characteristic beingdeteriorated. The height of the ground through holes 35 is substantiallythe same as that of the dielectric block 36.

When the optical transceiver 17 b receives the 10-Gb/s data signal andthe 10-GHz clock signal from the system substrate 21, the 10-Gb/s datasignal and the 10-GHz clock signal transmitted from the system substrate21 are transmitted to the substrate 20 via the interface pins 12 a.After the transmission line has been changed from the interface pins 12a to the substrate lines 10 b, the signals are transmitted in thesubstrate 20.

Dielectric blocks of the same material as that of the substrate 20 orthose having a dielectric constant similar to that of the substrate 20are filled between the substrate 20 of the optical transceiver 17 b andthe system substrate 21, and the through holes 35 are added around theinterface pins 12, so that the characteristic impedance of the interfacepins 12 is matched with that of the substrate lines 10 b. Therefore, the10-Gb/s data signal and the 10-GHz clock signal are transmitted to thesubstrate lines 10 b, with deterioration in the transmissioncharacteristic suppressed. The transmitted signals are input to thelaser diode driver 2.

In this third embodiment, since the ground is constituted using throughholes, the cost can be reduced as compared with the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a plan view that shows a modification of the third embodimentshown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In this modification, the substrate lines 34 aand 34 b for connecting the high speed interface pins 12 a and the laserdiode driver 2, and the substrate lines 34 c and 34 d for connecting thehigh speed interface pins 12 c and the receiving circuit 5 aredifferential lines, in which signals in positive phase and negativephase are respectively transmitted.

Therefore, the signal transmitted on the substrate 20 becomes strongagainst noise, and as a result, influence of noise can be suppressed inthe signal processing in the laser diode driver 2, or in the signalprocessing in the system substrate 21, by the signal transmissionbetween the interface pins 12 a and the laser diode driver 2, or by thesignal transmission between the interface pins 12 c and the receivingcircuit 5.

A fourth embodiment of the invention will be explained, with referenceto FIG. 9 to FIG. 19. The fourth embodiment is related to an opticaltransmitter 40 mounted inside a housing cover. This optical transmitter40 performs only transmission. In other words, the fourth embodimentdoes not have an optical receiver.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view that shows the appearance of the opticaltransmitter 40. FIG. 10A is an elevational view that shows theappearance of the optical transmitter 40 and FIG. 10 b is a bottom viewthereof. This optical transmitter 40 has a substrate and dielectricblocks as shown in the first embodiment, built in a rectangular metalhousing cover (case) 41 attached with a heat sink on the upper platethereof. An optical fiber 42 for transmission protrudes from the frontplate of the case 41. An optical connector 43 such as an FC connector(corresponding to an F01 single-core optical fiber) and an SC connector(corresponding to an F04 single-core optical fiber) is connected to theoptical fiber 42 for transmission. A pair of long holes 45, into which apair of dielectric blocks 44 are inserted, are formed on the bottomplate 41 a of the case 41, at the edge on the long side of the bottomplate 41 a. As shown in FIG. 10A, a pair of dielectric blocks 44 a and44 b protrude downwards by only a small dimension d1 (in this case, 0.5mm), from the bottom face of the case 41 via the long holes 45. Twelvepins 50 protrude downwards, respectively, from the respective dielectricblocks 44 a and 44 b.

FIGS. 11A to 11C are schematic diagrams that show how the opticaltransmitter 40 and a system substrate 48 are connected to each other.FIG. 11A is a top view, with the upper plate of the case 41 removed,FIG. 11B is a sectional view taken along the line E—E shown in FIG. 11A,and FIG. 11C is a sectional view taken along the line E—E shown in FIG.11A. FIG. 12 shows a substrate unit, in which a pair of dielectricblocks 44 a and 44 b, into which a plurality of pins 50 is inserted, aremounted on an internal substrate 46.

In FIGS. 11A to 11C, the internal substrate 46 (corresponding to thesubstrate 20 in the first to third embodiments) is supported by asubstrate holding member 15 (not shown) and fixed to the case 41, as inthe first embodiment. The laser diode driver, the laser diode modulehaving a laser diode provided therein, and ICs such as a control circuitincluding a power supply circuit and various control units are mountedon the internal substrate 46.

A plurality of protrusions 47 consisting of an elastic body or a metalis provided on the backside of the bottom plate 41 a of the case 41.Since the protrusions 47 abut on the system substrate 48, the case 41 isstably seated on the system substrate 48 (corresponding to the systemsubstrate 21 in the first to third embodiments). In this manner, in theoptical transmitter 40 in the fourth embodiment, the optical transmitter40 and the system substrate 48 abut on each other via the protrusions 47and the bottom sides of the dielectric blocks 44 a and 44 b. If theprotrusions 47 do not exist, the weight of the case 41 is directlyapplied to the internal substrate 46 via the dielectric blocks 44 a and44 b. If there is a problem in the mechanical strength of thesestructures, the protrusions 47 should not be omitted. However, when themechanical strength of the case 41, the dielectric blocks 44 and theinternal substrate 46 is sufficient, the protrusions 47 may be omitted.

Twelve pin holes 49 a, 49 b and 49 d, to which the twelve pins 50 (50 a,50 b and 50 d) provided in the two dielectric blocks 44 arepress-fitted, are formed in the internal substrate 46, at the respectiveedges on the long side thereof. These pin holes are formed substantiallyat equal intervals.

In FIG. 11A, one ends of four high speed interface pins 50 a, which cantransmit data signals (two) and clock signals (two), including thehigh-frequency signal, are press-fitted to four pin holes for high speed49 a (white circles) formed on the lower side in the page. One ends oflow speed interface pins 50 b for supplying low-frequency controlsignals and dc voltage are press-fitted to pin holes for low speed 49 b.One ends of the ground pins 50 d for grounding are press-fitted toground pin holes (black circles) 49 d.

In FIG. 11A, the arrangement of twelve pin holes formed on the lowerside is in the following order as seen from the left: two pin holes forlow speed 49 b, one ground pin hole (black circle) 49 d, one pin holefor high speed 49 a, one ground pin hole (black circle) 49 d, one pinhole for high speed 49 a, one ground pin hole (black circle) 49 d, onepin hole for high speed 49 a, one ground pin hole (black circle) 49 d,one pin hole for high speed 49 a, one ground pin hole (black circle) 49d, and one pin hole for low speed 49 b.

Four ground through holes 54 are respectively formed in the internalsubstrate 46, around each of the pin holes for high speed 49 a, formatching the characteristic impedance.

In FIG. 11A, in the arrangement of twelve pin holes formed on the upperside, pin holes for low speed 49 b and the ground pin holes (blackcircles) 49 d are properly mixed, but it is not particularly importantin the present invention. Therefore, all are shown as pin holes for lowspeed 49 b.

In each of the dielectric blocks 44 a and 44 b, twelve holes 52 arerespectively provided for inserting the high speed interface pins 50 a,the low speed interface pins 50 b and the ground pins 50 d. Thelarge-diameter portions of the high speed interface pins 50 a, the lowspeed interface pins 50 b and the ground pins 50 d are inserted intothese holes 52, corresponding to the pin arrangement in the internalsubstrate 46. Therefore, the number of pins in each of the dielectricblocks 44 a and 44 b becomes 12, as shown in FIG. 12. In the dielectricblock 44 a, four ground through holes 55 are respectively formed aroundthe high speed interface pins 50 a.

In order to satisfy the characteristic impedance 50Ω at all places forthe high speed interface pins 50 a, the pitch interval D between theground through holes 55 and the high speed interface pins 50 a ischanged according to the diameter d of the signal pin 50. In otherwords, the large-diameter portions of the pins 50 are inserted into thedielectric blocks 44 a and 44 b, and the ends of small-diameter of thepins 50 are inserted into the internal substrate 46. Therefore, thepitch between the pin 50 and each ground through hole 55 in thedielectric block 44 a is set longer than the pitch between the pin 50and the ground through hole 54 in the internal substrate 46, accordingto the equation (3).

As is seen from FIGS. 11A to 11C, the dielectric blocks 44 a and 44 bprotrude downwards by only a small dimension d1 from the bottom face ofthe case 41. The environmental condition at the time of substrateoperation of the pin 50 is 0 to 70° C., and as the material of the pin50, a material suitable for press-fit into the pin hole 49 in theinternal substrate 46 is preferable. The pins 50 are gold-plated.

Two rows of twelve pin holes 53 for inserting twelve pins 50 built inthe pair of dielectric blocks 44 a and 44 b are formed in the systemsubstrate 48. The length of the lower end of each pin 50 is set suchthat when the dielectric blocks 44 a and 44 b abut on the systemsubstrate 48, the lower end of each pin 50 slightly protrudes verticallyfrom the bottom face of the system substrate 48. As in the internalsubstrate 46, four ground through holes 56 are respectively formedaround the four pin holes 53, to which the other ends of the high speedinterface pins 50 a are inserted, also in the system substrate 48. Inthe system substrate 48, the position of each ground through hole 56 ismade the same position as that of the ground through holes 55 in thedielectric block 44. The reason will be described later.

Since the internal substrate 46 is electrically connected with thesystem substrate 48 via the dielectric blocks 44 a and 44 b via the pins50, the signal transfer between the optical transmitter 40 and the hostsystem device becomes possible.

The details of the internal substrate 46, the dielectric block 44 a, thepins 50 and the system substrate 48 will be explained in order.

The internal substrate 46 will be explained first, with reference toFIG. 13 and FIG. 14. FIG. 13 is a partial plan view that shows the rightface of the internal substrate 46, and FIG. 14 is a partial plan viewthat shows the rear face of the internal substrate 46 (the face sideabutting on the dielectric blocks 44 a and 44 b). In FIG. 13 and FIG.14, the peripheral portions of the four pin holes 49 a for high speedare shown in detail.

As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, four ground through holes 54 arerespectively formed around the four pin holes 49 a for high speed, asdescribed above. As shown in FIG. 13, a beta ground pattern 57 (hatchedportion) is formed on the right face of the internal substrate 46, so asto include the respective ground through holes 54 and five ground pinholes 49 d, but to avoid the four pin holes 49 a for high speed. Asolder resist 58 is respectively formed around the pin holes 49 a forhigh speed, in order to prevent contact between the solder and the betaground pattern 57 at the time of soldering with respect to therespective pins 50.

The rear face of the internal substrate 46 is the same. As shown in FIG.14, a beta ground pattern 61 (hatched portion) is formed on the rearface of the internal substrate 46, so as to include the respectiveground through holes 54 and five ground pin holes 49 d, but to avoid thefour pin holes 49 a for high speed. A solder resist 59 is respectivelyformed around the pin holes 49 a for high speed.

The four pin holes 49 a for high speed are for positive phase datasignals, for negative phase data signals, for positive phase clocksignals and for negative phase clock signals, in order from the left.These four pin holes 49 a for high speed are connected to the laserdiode driver 60 via the substrate lines. As described above, the laserdiode driver 60 generates a modulation signal Im (pulse signal) fordriving the laser diode module (not shown), based on the input datasignal and clock signal.

In this case, the substrate lines between the laser diode driver 60 andthe four pin holes 49 a for high speed are differential transmissionlines 90. The differential transmission lines 90 are for generatingelectromagnetic coupling by making the laser diode driver 60 and thefour pin holes 49 a for high speed close to each other as much aspossible for a noise counter plan. On the other hand, the high speedinterface pin 50 a is a single-end (disproportionate type) transmissionline. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure a certain interval betweenthe pin holes 49 a for high speed, to which the high speed interfacepins 50 a are inserted, so that signal interference does not occur.

Therefore, the pattern lines 91 as a connecting portion between thedifferential transmission lines 90 and two sets of high speed interfacepins 50 a are arranged with a large interval, and has a pattern width drlarger than a pattern width ds of the differential transmission lines 90(dr>ds), so that the characteristic impedance approaches 50Ω.

In this case, the wiring pattern lines 91 are bent substantially at aright angle, but the opposite ends thereof may be made gradually awayfrom each other, by using a Y-shape or the like. The pattern width maybe made abruptly small, so long as deterioration in the reflectioncharacteristic does not occur, or if deterioration in the reflectioncharacteristic occurs, the pattern width may be made gradually small.The ground pattern 57 has a U-shaped notch, so as not to touch thewiring pattern line 91.

Capacitors that cut the bias voltage are respectively provided in themiddle of the wiring pattern line 91 (at a point Q in the figure). Thesecapacitors are inserted, taking into consideration a difference betweena bias voltage used for the laser diode driver 60 and a bias voltage forICs on the system substrate 48, to which each line is connected. Thebias voltage is cut by these capacitors and a voltage amplitude signalis output to the laser diode driver 60. Therefore, if the bias voltageof the laser diode driver 60 and the ICs on the system substrate 48 isthe same, these capacitors are not required.

The dielectric block 44 a, which contains the high speed interface pins50 a, will be explained with reference to FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 15,four pin holes 52 a for high speed for inserting four high speedinterface pins 50 a, three pin holes 52 b for low speed for insertingthree low speed interface pins 50 b, and five ground pin holes 52 d forinserting five ground pins 50 d are respectively provided in thedielectric block 44 a. As described above, four ground through holes 55are respectively formed around the four pin holes 52 a for high speed.

A beta ground pattern 65 (hatched portion) is formed on the upper faceand the lower face of the dielectric block 44 a, so as to include therespective ground through holes 55 and five ground pin holes 52 d, butto avoid the four pin holes 52 a for high speed. A solder resist 66 isrespectively formed around the pin holes 52 a for high speed on theupper face and the lower face of the dielectric block 44 a, in order toprevent contact between the solder and the beta ground pattern 65 at thetime of soldering with respect to the respective pins 50 a. Each of thepin holes 52 a, 52 b and 52 d has a bore diameter of 1.0 mm, and each ofthe ground through holes 55 has a diameter of 0.6 mm.

For the dielectric block 44, for example, dimensions as described beloware set. Two types of pitches Pm between the pin holes 52 a for highspeed at the center and the ground through holes 55 on the peripherythereof are set below. Further, a gap is provided between the housingcase 41 and the system substrate 48, and two types of length are assumedfor the dielectric block 44, for the instance when parts are arranged inthis gap and for the instance when parts are not arranged therein.

When the pitch Pm is 1.8 mm or 2.1 mm, and parts are not arranged in thegap,height×width×length (mm) is 2.5×4.0×35.0,and when the pitch Pm is 1.8 mm or 2.1 mm, and parts are arranged in thegap,height×width×length (mm) is 6.5×4.0×35.0.

The dielectric constant in this case is 3.75 when the pitch Pm is 1.8mm, and 4.7 when the pitch Pm is 2.1 mm. These dielectric constants canbe determined based on the equation (3).

The pin 50 will be explained, with reference to FIG. 16. The pin 50 forelectrically connecting the internal substrate 46 and the systemsubstrate 48 has a shape such that one end 50-G to be inserted into thepin hole 49 in the internal substrate 46 and the other end 50-H to beinserted into the pin hole in the system substrate 48 have a diametersmaller than the portion that is inserted into the dielectric block 44(large-diameter portion) 50-J. Further, the one end 50-G to be insertedinto the internal substrate 46 is set shorter than the other end 50-H.

For example, the dimension of the pin 50 is set as follows. The one end50-G has a tapered shape having a diameter of 0.46 mm to 0.51 mm, andthe height is 1.6 mm. The other end 50-H has a diameter of 0.46 mm, andthe height of 2.5 mm. The end 50-G has a slightly larger diameter thanthat of the end 50-H. The large-diameter portion 50-J has a length offrom 2.0 mm to 10 mm, and a diameter of 0.8 mm. When a gap is providedbetween the housing case 41 and the system substrate 48, and parts arearranged in this gap, the length of the large-diameter portion 50-J ofthe pin 50 is set longer, for example, 6.5 mm. When parts are notarranged in the gap, the length of the large-diameter portion 50-J ofthe pin 50 is set to, for example, 2.5 mm.

The system substrate 48 will be explained, with reference to FIG. 17.The area surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 17 shows an area where theoptical transmitter 40 is to be mounted, of the whole area of the systemsubstrate 48. With regard to the optical transmitter mounting areasurrounded by the broken line, the whole area except the pin holes intowhich the signal pins are inserted, or the area abutting on thedielectric blocks 44 a and 44 b, excluding the wiring pattern portion tobe connected with the signal pin, on the right face and the rear face,is made a beta ground 62. In view of the cost or the like, it ispreferable to make the former whole area the beta ground.

As shown in FIG. 17, twelve pin holes 53 (pin holes 53 a for high speed,pin holes 53 b for low speed and ground pin holes 53 d), to which twelvepins 50 built in the dielectric block 44 a are inserted, are formed onthe lower side on the page of the optical transmitter mounting area. Asdescribed above, four ground through holes 56 are respectively formedaround the four pin holes 53 a for high speed. A solder resist 63 isrespectively formed around the pin holes 53 a for high speed and otherpin holes, in order to prevent contact between the solder and the betaground pattern 62 at the time of soldering with respect to therespective pins 50. The solder resist 63 is shown in the figure in acircular shape, but it may be in a U-shape, as shown in FIG. 13, in theportion where the wiring pattern connected to the pin passes through.

The four pin holes 49 a for high speed are for positive phase datasignals, for negative phase data signals, for positive phase clocksignals and for negative phase clock signals, in order from the left. Inthis system substrate 48, the external shape d2 of the four pin holes 53a for high speed has a diameter of 0.8 mm, and the land size d3 is adiameter of 1.0 mm.

In other words, the external shape d2 of the pin holes 53 a for highspeed has a diameter substantially the same as that of thelarge-diameter portion 50-J of the high speed interface pins 50 a. Byfilling a solder in the gap between the peripheral wall surface of thepin holes 53 a having an outer diameter of 0.8 mm and the end 50-H ofthe high speed interface pins 50 a, having a diameter of 0.46 mm, thediameter 0.46 mm of the end 50-H of the high speed interface pins 50 ais made substantially the same as the diameter of the large-diameterportion 50-J of the high speed interface pins 50 a. As a result, thecharacteristic impedance in this portion can be maintained at 50Ω.

The external diameter d4 of the ground through hole 56 is set to 0.6 mm.As the pitch between the pin holes 53 a for high speed and the groundthrough holes 56, two types, 1.8 mm or 2.1 mm, are set as in thedielectric block 44 a.

FIG. 18 shows an arrangement relationship of the pin hole for high speedin the internal substrate 46, the dielectric block 44 a and the systemsubstrate 48, and the four ground through holes on the peripherythereof. The pitch D between the pin hole for high speed and the groundthrough holes is set to a predetermined value (in this case, two types,that is, 1.8 mm or 2.1 mm), in order to maintain the characteristicimpedance at 50Ω. When it is required to reduce the width of thedielectric block 44 a, or to improve the packaging density of therespective substrates 46 and 48, while maintaining the set pitch andwithout deteriorating the impedance characteristic, an angle θ between aline along the row of the pin holes for high speed and a straight lineconnecting the pin hole for high speed and the ground through hole maybe set to a value of about 30°, not to 45°, which is ideal for theimpedance characteristic. By setting θ to about 30°, it becomes possibleto reduce the width of the dielectric block 44 a, and to improve thepackaging density of the respective substrates 46 and 48, whilesatisfying the requirement with respect to the impedance characteristic.

The connection structure of the internal substrate 46, the dielectricblock 44 a and the system substrate 48 by means of the pins 50 will beexplained, with reference to FIG. 19. In FIG. 19, one high speedinterface pin 50 a and one ground pin 50 d are shown.

The connection structure of the internal substrate 46 and the pins 50will be described first, using FIG. 19. The internal substrate 46 andthe pins 50 are connected and fixed by press-fit of the ends 50-G of therespective pins 50 a and 50 d to the pin holes 49 a and 49 d in theinternal substrate 46. Further, a solder 64 is applied on the surface ofthe end 50-G of each of the pins 50 a and 50 d, thereby the internalsubstrate 46 and the pins 50 are connected and fixed. Solder resists 58and 59 are formed around the pin hole 49 a for high speed on the rightface and the rear face of the internal substrate 46, except an area of asize sufficient for arranging the solder 64.

By fixing the internal substrate 46 and the pins 50 by means ofpress-fit and soldering, the mechanical connection structure is madestronger. In the case of a connection structure between the internalsubstrate 46 and the pins 50 only by the solder, if heat generation ofthe system substrate 48 is large, heat from the system substrate 48transmits through the pins 50 to the solder 64 on the internal substrate46, thereby the connection strength between the internal substrate 46and the pins 50 becomes weak. Therefore, by using press-fit andsoldering, it is prevented that the connection strength becomes weak.The heat is allowed to diffuse sufficiently from the pins 50 to theinternal substrate 46 and the dielectric block 44, and the solderingcondition of the system substrate 48 is set to a suitable condition, sothat the solder connection between the pins 50 and the wiring patternlines 91 is not cut due to the heat applied to the solder 64.

The pin 50 has a small diameter at the opposite ends thereof, forpositioning in the height direction with respect to the pin hole. Asdescribed above, it is necessary to select a diameter, whichsubstantially agrees with the end of the pin 50 having a small diameter,for pin holes 49 a and 49 d in the internal substrate 46, in order toadopt the press-fit connection. Hence, the diameter of the metal portionof the end 50-G of the high speed interface pin 50 a becomes smallerthan that of the other portions, and hence the impedance is differentfrom that of the other portions. Therefore, according to the equation(3), the characteristic impedance of this portion is maintained at 50Ω,by setting the pitch between the pin in this portion and the groundthrough hole 54 shorter than the pitch in other portions.

The ground through holes 54 formed in the internal substrate 46 areconnected to the beta ground pattern 57 formed on the right face of theinternal substrate 46 and the beta ground pattern 61 formed on the rearface thereof. As for the ground pin 50 d, the end itself of the groundpin 50 d is connected directly to the beta ground pattern 57 or the betaground pattern 61.

The ground through holes 55 formed in the dielectric block 44 arerespectively connected to the beta ground pattern 65 formed on the rightface of the dielectric block 44 or a beta ground pattern 65′ formed onthe rear face thereof. These beta ground patterns 65 and 65′ do not comein contact with the high speed interface pins 50 a by the solder resists66 and 66′. In the dielectric block 44, the ground pin 50 d itself isconnected directly to the beta ground patterns 65 and 65′.

The beta ground pattern 61 on the rear face of the internal substrate 46and the beta ground pattern 65 on the upper face of the dielectric block44 are joined by a solder 67. On the other hand, the ground pattern 65′on the lower face of the dielectric block 44 is applied with a solderresist 69, thereby preventing unexpected electrical contact with thesystem substrate 48, when the wiring pattern structure on the systemsubstrate 48 side is unknown.

The connection structure between the system substrate 48 and the pins 50will be described below. Joining of the system substrate 48 and therespective pins 50 a and 50 d is carried out only by a solder 68. Asdescribed above, the external shape d2 of the pin holes 53 a for highspeed is substantially the same as the diameter of the large-diameterportion 50-J of the high speed interface pins 50 a, and a solder isfilled in the gap between the peripheral wall surface of the pin hole 53a and the end 50-H of the high speed interface pin 50 a. Thereby, thediameter of the end 50-H of the high speed interface pin 50 a is madesubstantially the same as the diameter of the large-diameter portion50-J, and hence the impedance in this portion is made 50Ω same as thelarge-diameter portion.

The ground through holes 56 formed in the system substrate 48 areconnected to the beta ground pattern 62 formed on the right face of thesystem substrate 48 and the beta ground pattern 62′ formed on the rearface thereof. Solder resists 63 and 63′ are formed around the pin hole53 a for high speed on the right face and the rear face of the systemsubstrate 48. As for the ground pin 50 d, the ground pin 50 d itself isconnected directly to the beta ground pattern 62 and the beta groundpattern 62′.

The ground pattern 65′ on the lower face of the dielectric block 44 aand the ground pattern 62 on the upper face of the system substrate 48may be joined by a solder. Alternatively, the ground patterns 62 and 62′formed on the front and rear faces of the system substrate 48 may beomitted. When the diameter of the end 50-H of the pin 50 inserted intothe system substrate 48 is made the same as that of the large-diameterportion, it is still necessary to ensure a gap to be filled with asolder. Therefore, the ground through holes 56 are arranged outside thanthe arranged position of the ground through holes 55 in the dielectricblock 44 a, to thereby make the impedance in this portion the same asthat of the other portions.

According to the fourth embodiment, the characteristic impedance of thehigh speed interface pins is matched with that of the substrate lines,thereby an optical transmitter that can realize high speed datatransmission or clock transmission can be provided.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be explained, withreference to FIG. 9, and FIG. 20 to FIG. 23. The fifth embodimentrelates to an optical receiver 70 (see FIG. 9) in which only thefunction of optical reception is mounted in one housing cover. As in theoptical transmitter 40 described above, the optical receiver 70comprises an internal substrate, a dielectric block, and pins forconnecting the internal substrate and the system substrate. However, theoptical receiver 70 is different in ICs mounted on the internalsubstrate from that of the optical transmitter 40. In addition, in thecase of the optical receiver 70, the high speed signals transmitted fromthe receiving circuit on the internal substrate via the transmissionlines on the internal substrate and the pins are only two data signalsin the positive phase and the negative phase. In other words, in theoptical receiver according to the fifth embodiment, the clock signal isnot transmitted to the system substrate. Therefore, with regard to theoptical receiver 70, only the configuration relating to the two datasignals in the positive phase and the negative phase will be explained.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a dielectric block 75 in the optical receiver70. FIG. 21 is a partial view thereof in an enlarged scale. Twelve pinholes are formed in the dielectric block 75, and twelve pins are to beinserted therein. Of these, two pins are used for the positive-phase andnegative-phase data signals.

Two pin holes 76 a for high speed for inserting two high speed interfacepins 80 a are provided in the dielectric block 75. A pin hole adjacentto the two pin holes 76 a for high speed on the outside thereof is aground pin hole 76 d for the ground pin. Five ground through holes 77are respectively formed around the two pin holes 76 a for high speed.However, three ground through holes 77 between the two pin holes 76 afor high speed are a shared for adjusting the characteristic impedanceof the two high speed interface pins 80 a. One ground through hole 77 isarranged on a straight line connecting the two pin holes 76 a for highspeed, thereby preventing mutual interference of the signals transmittedon the two high speed interface pins 80 a.

As shown in FIG. 21, by setting the angle θ between a straight lineconnecting the pin holes for high speed and a straight line connectingthe pin hole for high speed and the ground through hole to about 30°,the width of the dielectric block 75 is reduced, and the packagingdensity is improved, while satisfying the requirement for the impedancecharacteristic.

A ground pattern 78 (hatched portion) is formed on the upper and lowerfaces of the dielectric block 75, so as to include the respective groundthrough holes 77 and two ground pin holes 76 d, but to avoid the two pinholes 76 a for high speed. A solder resist 79 is formed around the pinholes 76 a for high speed.

Each of the pin holes 52 a, 52 b and 52 has a bore diameter of 1.0 mm,and each of the ground through holes 55 has a diameter of 0.6 mm.

For the dielectric block 75, as in the dielectric block 44 of theoptical transmitter 40, dimensions as described below are set. The pitchbetween the pin holes 76 a for high speed at the center and the groundthrough holes 77 on the periphery thereof are termed as Pm.

When the pitch Pm is 1.8 mm or 2.1 mm, and parts are not arranged in thegap between the housing case and the system substrate,

 height×width×length (mm) is 2.5×4.0×35.0,

and when the pitch Pm is 1.8 mm or 2.1 mm, and parts are arranged in thegap,height×width×length (mm) is 6.5×4.0×35.0.

The dielectric constant in this case is 3.75 when the pitch Pm is 1.8mm, and 4.7 when the pitch Pm is 2.1 mm. A dielectric constant of about±1.3 with respect to a dielectric constant that satisfies thecharacteristic impedance (50Ω) needs only to be selected, and forexample, a dielectric constant of 3.48 may be set, when Pm=1.8 mm.

FIG. 22 is a plan view that shows a wiring pattern near the two highspeed interface pins 80 a in the internal substrate 85 mounted on theoptical receiver 70.

Two pin holes 86 a for high speed and five ground through holes 87 areformed also in the internal substrate 85, corresponding to the two pinholes 76 a for high speed and five ground through holes 77 on theperiphery thereof formed in the dielectric block 75. A beta groundpattern 88 is formed so as to surround the five ground through holes 87.

Two high speed interface pins 80 a to be inserted into the two pin holes76 a for high speed are connected to a receiving circuit IC 89 via thesubstrate lines on the internal substrate 85. The receiving circuit IC80 adjusts the amplitude of the voltage signal transmitted from thephoto diode module, and outputs the voltage signal to the two high speedinterface pins 80 a via the substrate lines.

The two output signals in the positive phase and the negative phase fromthe receiving circuit IC 89 is output to the differential transmissionline 90. On the other hand, the high speed interface pins 80 a arerespectively a single-end (disproportionate type) transmission line.Therefore, it is necessary to ensure a certain interval between the pinholes 86 a for high speed, to which the high speed interface pins 80 areinserted, so that signal interference does not occur. Therefore, thepattern lines 91 as a connecting portion between the differentialtransmission lines 90 and two sets of high speed interface pins 80 a arearranged with an interval, and have a pattern width dr larger than apattern width ds of the differential transmission lines 90 (dr>ds), sothat the characteristic impedance approaches 50Ω. In this case, thewiring pattern lines 91 are bent substantially at a right angle, but theopposite ends thereof may be made gradually away from each other, byusing a Y-shape or the like. The pattern width may be changed abruptlyto a small width, or may be made gradually small. The data transmittedvia the high speed interface pins 80 a in the single-end transmissionline is transmitted in the system substrate in the single-endtransmission line, or returned to the differential transmission line andthen transmitted.

FIG. 23 is a diagram that shows a system substrate 95, to which theoptical receiver is connected. The area surrounded by a broken line inFIG. 23 shows an optical receiver mounting area, in which the opticalreceiver 70 is to be mounted, of the whole area of the system substrate95.

Also in the system substrate 95, two pin holes 96 a for high speed andfive ground through holes 97 are formed, corresponding to the two pinholes 76 a for high speed and five ground through holes 77 on theperiphery thereof formed in the dielectric block 75. With regard to theoptical receiver mounting area surrounded by the broken line, the wholearea except the pin holes into which the signal pins are inserted, orthe area abutting on the dielectric blocks, excluding the wiring patternportion to be connected with the signal pin, on the right face and therear face, is made a beta ground 98. In view of the cost or the like, itis preferable to make the former whole area the beta ground.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, thecharacteristic impedance of the high speed interface pins is matchedwith that of the substrate lines, thereby an optical receiver, whichrealizes high speed data transmission or clock transmission, can beprovided. The optical receiver 70 may be provided with two pins fortransmitting clock signals, in addition to the two pins for transmittingthe data signals. In this case, a clock is extracted from a voltagesignal transmitted from the photo diode module by the operation of thePLL circuit provided therein, or a data signal is identified by theidentification and regeneration circuit provided therein, and theregenerated data signal is output to the two high speed interface pins80 a via the substrate lines.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be explained below,using FIG. 24 to FIG. 26. FIG. 24 is a perspective view that shows apart of a dielectric block 200 in the sixth embodiment, FIG. 25 is asectional view taken along the line G—G shown in FIG. 24, and FIG. 26 isa plan view of a pin portion for high-speed signals.

In the sixth embodiment, the ground through holes are not arrangedintermittently around the signal pins, as in the embodiments describedabove, but a metal pattern for ground is formed on the whole peripheryof the signal pins.

In FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, ground pins 201 and four high speed interfacelines 202 arranged between these ground pins 201 are built in thedielectric block 200. As shown in FIG. 26, the high speed interface line202 comprises an interface pin 203 for high-speed signals arranged atthe center, a dielectric substance 204 on the periphery thereof, and ametal pattern 205 for ground arranged around the dielectric substance204. A beta ground pattern 206 is uniformly formed on the upper face andthe lower face of the dielectric block 200, except the portions of thesignal pins 203 and the dielectric substances 204.

In order to manufacture such high speed interface lines 202 in thedielectric block 200, two manufacturing methods (A) and (B) describedbelow may be used.

(A) First manufacturing method

-   Form a hole;-   Apply metal plating on the inner surface of the hole, to form a    metal pattern 205 for ground;-   Pour a dielectric substance 204 having a hole for inserting a pin at    the center thereof into the hole; and-   Insert the pin 203 into the dielectric substance 204.    (B) Second manufacturing method-   Form a hole;-   Apply metal plating on the inner surface of the hole, to form a    metal pattern 205 for ground;-   Insert the pin 203; and-   Pour a melt dielectric substance in between the pin 203 and the    metal pattern 205.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the groundthrough holes are not arranged intermittently around the signal pins,but the metal pattern for ground is formed on the whole periphery of thesignal pins. Therefore, the ground is strengthened, thereby contributingto stabilization of the characteristic impedance.

In the above embodiments 1 to 6, the signal pins protrude from thedielectric blocks 44 a and 44 b, but the signal pins may protrude fromeither one end thereof, or may not protrude at all. When the signal pinsdo not protrude, the ends of the pins may be connected to the substrateside by for example a bump.

According to the optical transceiver of the present invention, thedielectric block is provided in the gap so that the characteristicimpedance thereof is matched with that of the substrate line. As aresult, higher speed data signal or clock signal can be transmitted.Further, since a plurality of ground pins or ground through holes areprovided around the interface pins, so that the characteristic impedanceof the interface pins is matched with that of the substrate line, higherspeed data signal or clock signal can be transmitted by filling adielectric block having a lower dielectric constant.

According to the connector of the invention, since the dielectric blockhas pins and ground through holes formed around the pins, respectivelybuilt therein, and the pins electrically connect the first and secondsubstrates, the characteristic impedance is improved, and as a result,high speed data transmission or clock transmission can be realizedbetween the first and second substrates.

According to the substrate unit of the invention, the substrate unit hasa substrate having a connector having pins and first ground throughholes formed around the pins, pin holes to which the pins arepress-fitted, and second ground through holes electrically connectedwith the first ground through holes, around the pin holes. As a result,the characteristic impedance is improved, and high speed datatransmission or clock transmission can be realized between the substrateand another substrate.

According to the optical transmitter of the invention, the opticaltransmitter has a connector having a plurality of signal pins, groundpins and a plurality of first ground through holes respectively formedaround the signal pins, a substrate having pin holes, to which the pinsare press-fitted, second ground through holes arranged around the pinholes for the signal pins, and substrate wirings connected to the pinholes for the signal pins, a laser diode mounted on the substrate, and adriver IC connected to the laser diode and the substrate wirings. As aresult, the characteristic impedance of the substrate lines is matchedwith that of the signal pins, thereby enabling realization of high speeddata transmission or clock transmission.

According to the optical receiver of the invention, the optical receiverhas a connector having two high speed interface pins, ground pins, and aplurality of first ground through holes formed around the high speedinterface pins, a substrate having pin holes, to which the pins arerespectively press-fitted, second ground through holes arranged aroundthe pin holes for the high speed interface pins, and substrate wiringsconnected to the pin holes for the high speed interface pins, a photodiode mounted on the substrate, and a receiving circuit IC connected tothe photo diode and the substrate wirings. As a result, thecharacteristic impedance of the substrate wirings is matched with thatof the signal pin, thereby enabling realization of high speed datatransmission or clock transmission.

According to the semiconductor device of the invention, the groundthrough holes are formed around the pins in the dielectric block andaround the pin holes in the first and second substrates, and a metalsuch as solder is filled in a gap between the peripheral wall surface ofthe pin hole and the pin in the second substrate. As a result, thecharacteristic impedance is improved, and high speed data transmissionor clock transmission can be realized between the first and secondsubstrates.

Although the invention has been described with respect to a specificembodiment for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims arenot to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying allmodifications and alternative constructions that may occur to oneskilled in the art which fairly fall within the basic teaching hereinset forth.

1. An optical transceiver including an optical transmitter and an optical receiver, the optical transceiver comprising: a substrate that receives or outputs an optical signal; a plurality of interface pins arranged in a protruding manner on one portion of the substrate, for transferring electric signals between the substrate and an external substrate; a dielectric block that covers the periphery of the interface pins, with one end thereof abutting on the one portion of the substrate, and with a part of the interface pins protruding from the other end; and a housing for storing the substrate, the housing being provided with a hole through which the dielectric block penetrates.
 2. The optical transceiver according to claim 1, wherein the interface pins include at least one signal pin and a plurality of ground pins that are arranged around the signal pin(s).
 3. The optical transceiver according to claim 1, wherein the interface pins include at least one signal pin and a plurality of ground through holes that are arranged around the signal pin(s).
 4. The optical transceiver according to claim 1, wherein a dielectric constant of the dielectric block is lower than a dielectric constant of the substrate. 